Welcome to the first episode of "Speakeasy," an occasional special podcast in which we share never-before-heard bits that that didn't make it into our weekly episodes. Think of it like the casual little bistro beside our bustling restaurant. On this inaugural podcast, Aubrey Plaza and Brendan invent a new morning beverage - the breakfast martini; Zachary Quinto and Rico discuss the pros and cons of wearing high heels; and Tom Scharpling and Jon Wurster of "The Best Show" propose a novel solution for when you pick up two lids instead of one at a salsa bar. Brendan and Rico also chitchat about upcoming guests, life, and the darkness in men's souls. You know, just light banter.

Actress Aubrey Plaza needs no introduction (because she's got it memorized)... Singer-songwriter Laura Marling has a soundtrack for evenings warm and chilly... Writer Jon Ronson looks at shaming on social media and sees our modern pillory... The comic duo Scharpling & Wurster take our etiquette segment to the strangest of places, which might be a city in Pennsylvania!... A new taste of Hawaiian food -- the ultimate fusion cuisine... Two bitter rivals in polar exploration inspire an icy cocktail...Essayist Meghan Daum ponies up a joke... And more.

This week: Actor Zachary Quinto gets a memento from Tennessee Williams... Soul singer Leon Bridges steps back in time... Comedian Sara Schaefer aces her hygiene homework... Beating food waste, in new ways... The most costly art heist in U.S. history inspires a bitter cocktail (made by a former art guard!)... A soundtrack from post-punk band Viet Cong....And more.

This week: Ethan Hawke's intimate portrait of an artist... The ladies of "Broad City" riff on their fave BFFs... Newly-minted *novelist* David Duchovny sees a baby wolf and flees... Troubadour Vetiver serenades our party with the sounds of Brazil... One modern man's quest to find Atlantis... An artist types his way through the canon... And we toast a time when radio made major waves.

In our most recent episode, Rico interviewed Johnny Yoo, the executive chef over at Los Angeles restaurant A-Frame, who talked about the history behind Hawaiian cuisine. What didn't make the episode was Yoo's favorite dish in Hawaii. Find out what it is!

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The Dinner Party Download is an hour-long celebration of culture, food, and conversation with hosts Rico Gagliano and Brendan Francis Newnam designed to help you dazzle your friends at this weekend's get-together. [more]